Eric Birling is implied to have sexually assaulted Eva Smith when he was drunk, then later had a brief relationship with her, got her pregnant, and tried to help by giving her stolen money. When she refused the money, and after Mrs Birling also refused to help her, Eric blames the family for contributing to Eva’s death.

Quick scoop

In An Inspector Calls , Eric’s actions toward Eva are serious and abusive. The play suggests he forced himself on her, exploited her, and then attempted to cover the consequences with stolen money.

What happened

  • He met Eva while drunk.
  • He forced himself on her.
  • She later became pregnant.
  • He stole money from his father to support her.
  • Eva refused the money once she found out it was stolen.

Why it matters

Eric’s behavior is one of the key reasons Eva is shown as being trapped and exploited by several people in the play. Priestley uses Eric to show how privilege, irresponsibility, and abuse can destroy someone’s life.